Short Polyp Pineapple Coral [Blastomussa merleti]
Description
The Short Polyp Pineapple Coral is smaller than its relative, Blastomussa wellsi, but shares a similar appearance and habitat. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region, usually in deeper, more protected areas of the reef. It is characterized by its short polyps and the diversity of colors it can display, including red, green, blue, and purple. It is a solitary species, and like all corals, it is sessile, meaning it is permanently attached to the ocean floor and does not move.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Mussidae
Mussidae
|
| Genus |
Pineapple Corals
Blastomussa
|